A Dhaka court has ordered two Awami League activists to be jailed after completing their one-day remand in connection with an anti-terrorism case stemming from their alleged participation in an anti-government rally during Independence Day celebrations on March 26. The accused – Mamun Hasan, an active member of Kalabagan Thana AL, and fellow party worker Mohiuddin – were produced before metropolitan magistrate Monirul Islam’s court by Paltan Model Thana police on Thursday.
Sub-Inspector Azizul Haque Bhuiyan, the investigating officer, successfully petitioned the court to detain both men until completion of the ongoing investigation. Paltan Thana’s General Registration Branch officer Rokonuzzaman confirmed the judicial order to Times of Bangladesh. This development brings to six the total number of AL leaders and activists currently jailed in connection with the case after undergoing remand periods.
According to the First Information Report, the accused stand charged with multiple offenses including attempting to tarnish the sanctity of Independence Day celebrations, undermining national sovereignty, threatening public safety and property, and engaging in anti-state propaganda. The chargesheet further alleges the defendants conspired to jeopardise Bangladesh’s territorial integrity, disrupt public security, and plan destructive activities against the government.
The case originates from a March 26 procession where critics of the interim government allegedly staged protests. Authorities have maintained a strict stance against opposition demonstrations since the political upheaval last July. Paltan Model Thana police initially filed the case under provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act, with investigations continuing into the alleged offenses.